Trying to Call a Taxi in Korea for the First Time
If you’ve just arrived in Korea and tried to call a taxi using an app, you might have already run into a problem.
Everything looks simple at first — download the app, sign up, and call a ride.
But for many foreigners, things don’t go as smoothly as expected.
Kakao Taxi is the most widely used taxi app in Korea.
But the real question is:
Can foreigners actually use it without issues?
The short answer is yes — but there are a few important things you should know before relying on it.
Can Foreigners Use Kakao Taxi?
Yes, foreigners can use Kakao Taxi.
However, the experience depends heavily on whether you have:
- a Korean phone number
- a verified Kakao account
- a local payment method
If you have all three, the app works almost exactly the same as it does for locals.
If not, you may run into some limitations.
Where Most Foreigners Get Stuck
This is where many first-time users start having trouble.
1. Account verification issues
Creating a Kakao account is easy, but verification can be confusing.
Some users are asked to verify with a Korean phone number, which not all travelers have.
2. Payment setup
Even if you can call a taxi, payment can be an issue.
- Some taxis only accept Korean cards in the app
- International cards don’t always work properly
Because of this, many users end up choosing to pay the driver directly instead.
3. Finding a ride during busy hours
In theory, calling a taxi is simple.
In reality, during peak hours or rainy days, it can be surprisingly difficult to get a ride unless you use the paid priority option.
What Actually Works (Based on Real Experience)
If you’re visiting Korea short-term, here’s what tends to work best:
- Use Kakao Taxi only when it works easily
- Be ready to pay in cash or card directly to the driver
- If the app fails, just hail a taxi on the street in busy areas
In places like Seoul, especially near main roads or nightlife areas, street taxis are still very common.
Alternatives Many Foreigners Use
Kakao Taxi is not the only option.
In fact, many visitors end up using alternatives:
Uber (UT in Korea)
Uber operates in Korea under the name “UT.”
It is often easier for foreigners because:
- it supports international payment methods
- the interface is familiar
Street taxis
In busy districts, this is sometimes the fastest option.
Late at night or during peak hours, this can actually be more reliable than apps.
Hotel or concierge help
If you are staying at a hotel, staff can often call a taxi for you.
This is one of the easiest options if you are unsure about apps.
When Kakao Taxi Works Best
Kakao Taxi works very well if you:
- live in Korea long-term
- have a Korean phone number
- have a local payment method
In this case, the app becomes one of the most convenient ways to get around.
When It Can Be Frustrating
Kakao Taxi may not be the best option if you:
- just arrived in Korea
- don’t have a Korean SIM card
- rely only on international payment methods
For short-term visitors, it can feel less reliable than expected.
Final Thoughts
Kakao Taxi is definitely usable for foreigners — but it’s not always as straightforward as it seems.
For long-term residents, it’s one of the best transportation apps in Korea.
For short-term travelers, it works, but it’s a good idea to have backup options like Uber or street taxis.
If you understand these limitations in advance, getting around Korea becomes much easier.